Yesterday

I believe this is an early 40's Ford... maybe 1941?? I'd welcome confirmation / correction if anyone knows more.  Looking at the internet, it seems likely, but I couldn't find anything that looked exactly right, especially the rectangular headlights.

Seen in the small town of Marine Illinois.  Just a humble photo from my iPhone, but I edited the stuffing out of it. Some time ago, I downloaded a free AP to my iPad called Inkwork... but I've never really been happy with it. In this case, I layered the Inkwork photo with the "normal" phot and blended to something I liked.

Below is the original, shot about 1/2 hr after sunset, handheld at 1/4 second exposure.  I was thinking B&W from the start, but the car kind of got lost in it, so I decided to play.  I'm pretty satisfied, actually.  And it made it to the Trending page over at 365project.

Workflow:

1. Photo shot on iPhone 8.  Handheld.
2. Basic modifications (brightness, contrast, etc) using Snapseed ap on my iPad
3. Selective darkening (slight) on top left and bottom right.  Selective lightening (slight) along roof line
4. Convert to black and white (still in snapseed)
5. Export
6. Open black and white version in Inkwork.  Apply effect (I don't remember exact settings)
7. save.
8. send all three files to computer (email)
9. Open the two modified files, with the Inkwell image on bottom
10. Add a very slight brown case to the inkwell layer (using a solid color layer, and screen blend)
11. Merge the tint layer and the Inkwell layer
12. Blend the basic black and white layer with the tinted inkwell layer till happy.
13. flatten and save as.
14. resize / sharpen for internet.

Sounds like a lot, but didn't take too long.

2020 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Nominations

We're getting pretty close to the knowing the 2020 RRHOF nominees, last year's announcment came October 9th.

Now, I'm not going to speculated who they'll nominate, but here's a list of 5 performers who I'd like to see added:

1)  Doobie Brothers.
 As others have noted:  "With more than 48 million albums sold, a laundry list of accolades and a legacy as one of the great vocal-harmony groups, the Doobie Brothers seemingly check every box necessary for Rock Hall induction.".  Eight (8) Top 10 albums in 7 years (US charts).  Sixteen (16) Top 40 hits.  Still a successful touring act. The sound of the Doobies drove the mid 70's.

2) Weird Al Yankovic
He's sold more albums than any comedy act in history, and is one of only 3 artists to have Top 40 hits in every decade since the 80's (with Michael Jackson and Madonna, both member of RRHOF).  There used to be a saying  that "you know you've made it when Weird Al parodies you".  He helped pioneer the music video industry, including contributions like the movie UHF.  And still touring.

3) The Monkees
The made for TV band that confounded their keepers by becoming actual music stars.  Their first 4 albums hit #1, their first 5 were Platinum.  11 Top 40 hits, all in less than 2 years.  Still relevant with their 2016 release that reached #14 on the charts, with contributions from Rivers Cuomo, Andy Partridge, Ben Gibbard, Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller.  The Monkees helped give starts to great songwriters like Neil Diamond,  Harry Nilsson, David Gates (Bread), Michael Martin Murphy, John Stewart...  They were part of a ground breaking TV show with cameos from folk like Frank Zappa...   and one of the wildest movies (Head) of the late 60's.

4)  Joe Osborn
Sideman.  Joe Osborn was one of the great session bass players of the 60's, 70's, and 80s,  playing on dozens of top hits.  Osborn was a member of the Wrecking Crew, 2 of whom are already inducted.  Let's show the bass player some love!

5) J.J. Cale
Another contributor, J.J. Cale wrote songs made famous by folks like Eric Clapton (After Midnight, Cocaine) and Lynyrd Skynyrd (Call Me The Breeze).  With other songs recorded by everybody from Santana to Kansas to Poco to Waylon Jennings.  And more.  As Clapton himself put it:  "one of the most important artists in the history of rock, quietly representing the greatest asset his country has ever had."


Sadly, I expect all 5 of these would be long shots.  The Doobies may get a nomination, simply because they're running out of bands from the classic era of rock.  Weird Al and the Monkees are too much "fun", not nearly cool enough.  Joe Osborn is a bass player, 'nuff said.  JJ Cale's only shot would be if folks like Clapton lobbied from behind the scenes.  Maybe id Eric suggested leading a medley of JJ Cale songs for the ceremony?

Trike

This tricycle seems to be part of a lawn display, sunk into the rocks.  I thought it was pretty cool, had to capture w/ my iPhone...

On One Hand

Over the 2016 and 2017 NFL seasons, Pittsburgh Steeler running back 21, LeVeon Bell was the top offensive performer in football.  Over those 2 years, he accumulated 3,830 yards from scrimmage (rushing + passing).  The next nearest player was Todd Gurley of the LA Rames, at 3,305 total yards.

In yards per game, it is even more impressive, as Bell only played in 27 of 32 regular season games.  His yards per game was an eye popping 141.9.

So naturally, he wanted to be the highest paid player in football.  When his team balked, he sat out the year to become a free agent.  And  now is with the NY Jets.

Granted we're only 3 weeks into the 2019 season, but how's that working out?  Right now, Bell is tied for 15th in the league in total yards.  He's averaging 97.4 yards per game.  And the Jets are 0-3.

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On the other hand:

In 2018, Bell's replacement on the Steelers, James Conner, was 10th in the league in total yards.  But he missed 3 games due to injuries.  On a yards per game basis, he was 6th at 113.1 yards/game.  And while their rushing totals were down (3.6%), their overall offensive numbers were up 6.7%.  BUT, the Steelers missed the playoffs, which is the ultimate measure for a team.

Three games into 2019, and the Steelers are struggling.  They're 0-3, and Conner ranks outside the Top 25 in total yards.  Granted, their superstar Quarterback is injured, but the rushing game has been pathetic.

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So what?  is this a lose-lose? I dunno.  I think that Bell will never recoup the money he left on the table from the Steelers' final offer, and he'll never win a Super Bowl with the Jets.  So it is (IMHO) a lose for him.

 As for the Steelers?  Well, they were a better team with him, for sure.  But it's hard to know how much of their decline is due to Bell's departure, and how much is due to the drama with another player (Antonio Brown), and how much is due to the QB's (Ben Roethlisberger) season ending injury.  But it's hard to call it a Win, that's for sure.


Ah, First World Problems, I suppose

NF-SOOC - 6

I posted previously about the Nifty-Fifty-Straight-Out-Of-Camera challenge over at 365project.  My plan is to post my entries here, a couple every other day or so.  So here's my next set of posts:


NF-SOOC -15 (posted 9/21/2019)

Leaves and Reflections - Glen Carbon, IL

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NF-SOOC-16 (posted 9/24/2019)

Geared - Fariview Heights, IL

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NF-SOOC-17 (posted 9/25/2019)

Edged  -Collinsville, IL

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Use the label nf-sooc-19 to see all the posts in this series.

Fishing The Mississippi

I don't get down to Cliff Cave Park very often these days, but I try to stop by when I'm in the area.  This was a recent lunch time.  I enjoyed watching this gentleman fishing.  The boat in the back is (I believe) dredging the channel.

What Can It Possibly Mean??

Looking at the stats function in Blogger today, interesting to see:


Where does my traffic come from?  Over the past month, looking at this blog, top 10 sources:

United States 38%

Sweden 27%

France 16%

United Arab Emirates 4%

Portugal 3%

Russia 2%

Ukraine 2%

Unknown Region 2%

Germany 1%

Egypt 1%

I would've expected it to be almost all USA, with a smattering of English speaking countries.  But it's not!  In fact, a rather eclectic mix, Quite a bit of Europe (47%), no Far East, Australia, or South America...  

I decided to see what the results were for my other blog:  Happenstance, which focuses on Black and White photos.  The top 10 sources over the last month:

United Kingdom 37%

Netherlands 23%

United States 18%

Germany 12%

Unknown Region 4%

Sweden 2%

Ukraine 2%

Russia 1%

Portugal 0.4%

France 0.4%

Pretty shocking (to me) that USA came in 3rd, at only 18%.  UK leads the pack at 37%, while not making Top 10 for LSquared.  A whopping 75% from Europe.  And again, nothing from Far East, Australia, or South America... 

I have no clue at all what it could possibly mean.

Another interesting thing:  Going back several years, LSquared has been more popular than Happenstance.  Until recently.  Looking at 6 month total page views, Happenstance overtook LSquared starting last April (2019) and opened up a rather notable lead.

Again, no clue what it means.  But since this is all for fun, and I don't generate any income from it*, it doesn't really matter.

* - you'll notice that there are ads on LSquared, but I've never accumulated enough clicks to earn a payout.  Frankly, I should figure out how to turn them off...

Dash

Just one of those small details in life.  As a photographer, I'm always looking up and down, left and right...  you never know when (or where) something will strike you.

This was a moment of looking down, as you can probably guess.  Somewhere in and around Point State Park, Pittsburgh.  Yep, while normal people are enjoying the fountain, or the river, or just people watching, I'm taking a photo of a manhole cover.  But I liked the alternating dash pattern among the field of dirt / pebbles...  ofset with the touch of weeds trying to gain a foothold.

Of course, I took those other photos too...  some I'm not a complete lost cause.

More Power!

Transmission power lines, crossing a soybean field in Southern Illinois.  probably 345kV, based on the conductors.

NF-SOOC - 5

I've been posting about the Nifty-Fifty-Straight-Out-Of-Camera challenge over at 365project.  My plan is to post my entries here, a couple every other day or so.  So here's my next set of posts:


NF-SOOC -12 (posted 9/22/2019, posted to 9/14, taken 9/10)

Rural Route - outside Edwardsville, IL

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NF-SOOC -13 (posted 9/19/2019)

American Trumpet Vine - Chouteau island, IL

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NF-SOOC - 14 (posted 9/20/2019)

Blocked

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Use the label nf-sooc-19 to see all the posts in this series.

HOT

They were doing tar and gravel resurfacing of some of the roads near one of the spots I take my lunchtime walks. This tanker was parked alongside the trail.  

I'm careful to avoid roads when they're getting this treatment.  Way back in high school I managed to get a rather lot of oil/tar all over my mom's car.  Took quite a bit of elbow grease to clean off the visible areas.  I was 100% positive at the time that the workers hadn't marked / blocked off the road.  But, 40-some years later, I recognize the possibility I was just a knucklehead.

Anyway........

NF-SOOC - 4

I posted previously about the Nifty-Fifty-Straight-Out-Of-Camera challenge over at 365project.  My plan is to post my entries here, a couple every other day or so.  So here's my next set of posts:


NF-SOOC -10 (posted 9/15/2019)

Rocks and Water - Glen Carbon, IL

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NF-SOOC -11 (posted 9/17/2019)

Glen Carbon - Glen Carbon, IL

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Use the label nf-sooc-19 to see all the posts in this series.

Night Time - In Black and White

I've mentioned several time about challenges over at 365project.  There's always several going on, and I try and enter 4-5 per month.  And every once in a while I actually win! 

The reward for winning is to host the next round of the challenge.  Usually that's pretty simple, unless you have to choose a theme, or some starting point.  So, having won bw-44 (with the theme "Footware"), I needed to start bw-45.  After a little thought I choose the them "Night Time".

I'm hoping folk are inspired, and we get some nice entries.  I also hope that people don't think my topic stinks, and run away.

Anyway, the whole thing inspired me to do a post here, showing images I've posted to 365project that I felt fit the topic.  Sticking with B/W since that's the theme.  So here you go, 13 mages from the past 4.75 years:

Snowy Night - Feb. 15, 2015

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Every Starry Night - Jan. 8, 2016

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It Just Ain't Your Moon - Feb. 23, 2016

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Foggy Evening - Jan. 19, 2017

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On The Road Again - Jan. 25, 2017

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Seven Days - Day 6 - Nov. 7, 2017

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Lonely Nights - Nov. 20, 2017

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Randomness #1517 - Nov. 28, 2017

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Grand Opening - Dec. 4, 2017

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Charlotte - Dec. 5, 2017

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Delmar - Feb. 21, 2018

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Grey Day Into Misty Night - Mar. 25, 2018

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Glen Carbon Water Tower - Sept. 18, 2018

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Compromised

I was taking a short walk near my office and noticed this lock on a cabinet that looks like it probably has phone or cable equipment inside.  But I didn't see any label.

Anyway this lock has been cut so isn't really providing any security...

Make ya wonder...

NF-SOOC - 3

I posted previously about the Nifty-Fifty-Straight-Out-Of-Camera challenge over at 365project.  My plan is to post my entries here, a couple every other day or so.  So here's my next set of posts:


NF-SOOC - 07 (posted 9/11/2019)

Barn - Edwardsville, IL
The days just keep getting shorter, although my work schedule stays the same...  28 minutes before "formal" sunset.

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NF - SOOC - 08 (posted 9/12/2019)

Circular - Paducah, KY

Just a detail seen while wandering...  The white balance is a little off, but that's SOOC.

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NF - SOOC - 09 (posted 9/13/2019)

Fern at Ferne Clyffe - Goreville, IL

A little dark, but I was uncomfortable hand-holding below 1/30th sec...  And (again) the white balance is a bit off due to deep shadows.

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Use the label nf-sooc-19 to see all the posts in this series.

Half of what I say is meaningless, But I say it just to reach you

"Half of what I say is meaningless, But I say it just to reach you..."

- John Lennon

from the song "Julia"

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Stumped

There's a park in Edwardsville that is known as "Airplane Park".  Because it has an A17E Corsair plane at the entrance.

When my daughters were young, this was a great place to go.  It had a great play structure, and plenty of room for soccer practice. And, a small hiking train in the back.  Just a little loop, maybe 0.5 mile, but a great way to introduce the kiddies to woods.

Anyway, it had probably been at least 15 years since I'd been back there, and I wasn't even sure it was still there.  Until my wife suggested we check.

You can probably guess that it is, indeed, still there, based on the photo...

Just a little something from the iPhone.

... Come on a Safari with Me.

I was wandering around Staunton, IL recently, while my wife visited the quilt shop, and came across this old Pontiac Safari.  Based on internet research, I think it's a 1956.

I knew that Pontiac had been around well before the 50's, but I've never really thought about their actual cars from the 50's.  I mean, everybody knows the Chevys, and Fords, it's easy to forget there other companies didn't just take the decade off!

Anyway, for your viewing pleasure, a 50's era Pontiac Safari!

And yes, that's Safari, not Surfari, despite the title's reference to the old Beach Boys song!

NF-SOOC - 2

I posted Tuesday about the Nifty-Fifty-Straight-Out-Of-Camera challenge over at 365project.  My plan is to post my entries here, a couple every other day or so.  So here's my next posts, back to back sunsets:

NF-SOOC - 04

Sunset At The Watershed - Watershed Nature Center, Edwardsville, IL

This was actually 54 minutes before sunset, according to the internet...  I'll call it close enough.

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NF-SOOC-05

Sunset at Schon Park, Glen Carbon, IL

According to the internet, this was 3 minutes before sunset, although the sun was below the trees

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NF-SOOC-06

Almost Harvest - Glen Carbon, IL

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I remember learning at some point in time (probably late 70's / early 80's) that 50mm was the "standard" lens for 35mm cameras because it provided a perspective equivalent to what the human eye sees.  As opposed to wide angle or telephoto.   Here's one explanation.

Anyway, it all gets complicated when we shift into the digital world.  But, to keep is simple:  The sensor size in a digital camera is (usually) not the same size as in a 35mm film camera.  To get the equivalent "human perspective" lens (or zoom setting), we have to divide the 50mm basis by the ratio of the sensor compared to 35mm film.  This ratio is called the crop factor.

My Fujifilm X-T3 has a 1.5 crop factor (as did my Nikon D3200 and my Nikon D70 and many digital cameras).  SO, if I want to set my camera to the same perspective as a 50 mm lens on an old 35mm camera, then I divide 50mm by 1.5 and get 33.3mm.  Make sense?

Meanwhile, my iPhone has a fixed 3.99mm lens, with crop factor of 7, resulting in a 28mm equivalent perspective.  Which is a wider angle than "normal".  Crystal Clear, Right?  The point (or A point, at least) is that you can't use an iPhone for a Nifty-Fifty challenge.  I love my iPhone's camera, but not for this task.

Moon Dreams

Dusk at Schon Park, Glen Carbon.  There's a walking group at our church that has been walking Schon Pack / Greenspace North every week.  At least for 6 weeks or so.  We usually go about 1.5 miles or so.   It's a nice thing, we usually have 7-9 people.  But as the days are getting shorter, the sunsets are getting sooner....  Which did allow me this moonrise shot, at least!  (taken last Monday, 9/9)

The plan is to continue through the last Monday in September, the resart in the spring.

Title is from the Miles Davis song...

NF-SOOC - 1

Over at 365project, there's a challenge for September called NF-SOOC.  Which stands for Nifty Fifty, straight out of camera.  The idea is to replicate the old days, when we shot film with basic 35mm camera, which usually had a 50 mm standard lens.  So when you picked up your photos at the Fotomat, that's what you got:  SOOC, with a 50 mm lens.  Very Old School...

Details on the challenge here.

Of course, in today's age of digital cameras, it can get a bit tricky.  Long-story-short:  on a lot of cameras (including my Fujifilm X-T3), I set my zoom lens to about 33.33mm to provide the equivalent of a 35mm film camera with a 50mm lens.  Trust me, or google Crop Factor.

Anyway, the point is, I'm participating., at least as much as I can.  So far, I've posted 5 images in the first 9 days...   I'll post a couple at a time, ever couple of days, since we're already 1/3 of the way through the month.   Unless otherwise noted, all of these were shot with my Fujifilm X-T3, with the zoom lens set to about 33mm.  With no post processing.

Click on the images for full size...  or the name to see at 365project.

NF-SOOC-01

Untitled #3037 - Alton, IL

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NF-SOOC-02

Still... - near Staunton, IL

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NF-SOOC-03

Get Your Kicks...  - Staunton, IL

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1365

Just another barge photo...

Like this one from June:

Or these from November 2018:

Or even September 2018:

Hmm... what does it all mean??

Rust Never Sleeps

Old car, seen at a local storage place.  I old had my iPhone with me, and there was a puddle right in front of this car that was deeper than my shoe-soles...  so that made it a little had to get what I was looking for.  Maybe I can make a trip back, was helping a family member move some stuff into storage.

It's Chevy, pretty sure a '58?  I'm no expert, but some googling looks like 1958 was the only year with the dual headlights.  But I couldn't find any images with the sing thingie under the lights.  Nor the same hood ornament.  Any ID would be appreciated!

Processed on my iPhone, using the snapseed ap.

Here's a couple other alternate takes:

365project - August 2019

We're a week into September, so I figured to look back on August at 365project.  There were times I struggled for inspiration, but overall, it did ok.  The saving grace (for me) was squeezing some photo time into a short trip to Pittsburgh.  I think I need the break from the routine.

So, I posted 39 images to my project in August, better than 1/day and just above my average (through July) of 37.6.  I had 11 photos tagged as "Popular", versus YTD average of 10.7.  And 7 made it to the "Trending" page (versus ytd average of 3.3).  Can't really complain about that!

So, here are the images which received PP (Popular Page) and or TP (Trending Page):

From Main Album:

Any Way The Wind Blows - TP

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HOT - PP

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Iowa... - PP

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The Sun Sets Again - PP - TP

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On the Edge, Revisited - TP

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Fort Duquesne Bridge - Pittsburgh, PA, USA - PP - TP

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Go Down Rockin' - PP

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All Downhill From Here - PP - TP

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Aside - PP

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The People's Conflict - PP

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Other albums:

Sunset, St. Louis Skyline - PP

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Patience - PP

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Point State Park Fountain - PP - TP

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